BubbleStream

Marcha A Fox

Refractions of Frozen Time

Synopsis

A discovery that links two dimensions of time. . .A prison ship’s dirty little secret. . .Esheron has answers but will they arrive before it’s too late?
Creena Brightstar believes the crystals discovered in the caverns can bring her family back together at last. But before she can finish unlocking their secrets Integrator forces discover their underground hideout, forcing a harrowing escape loaded with unexpected consequences. The dark and lonely days that follow change Dirck forever as fate plays out a hand dealt on Earth years before. Will time relent and give everyone a second chance?
Meanwhile, Augustus Troy is on the move again, this time armed with a weapon capable of wiping out anyone opposed to his despotic goals. Do the Brightstars have what it takes to survive their final battle? Or will the family’s longed-for reunion take place in another dimension of time and space?

Author Biography

Marcha Fox’s passion for science fiction began as a child. Her determination to write in that genre knew no bounds, such that she even went back to college in her 30s to obtain a bachelor’s of science degree in physics, after which she spent over 20 years working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Science and engineering experience notwithstanding, it’s the unexplained mysteries of the cosmos, such as the concept of a universal consciousness, which provide the setting for Beyond the Hidden Sky, first volume of a four-part series. Centered on the Brightstar family who has been torn apart by a storm of political and scientific intrigue, they will stop at nothing until they are reunited.

Author Insight

A Difference of Opinion

Integrator scientists are under considerable pressure to perfect a reliable technique for mind control. As with the development of any such technology, the only way to know for certain whether or not it works is to use human test subjects. As they close in on this ability, however, they accidentally kill off several individuals and leave others catatonic and apparently brain dead.
Troy and his superior, Spoigan, have diverse views of this event which demonstrate two different approaches to world domination. Each has their own supporting rationale but Troy discovers that his own approach could possibly bring his own demise. In spite of what is sometimes an adversarial relationship, these two somehow manage to move the Integrator's agenda forward.
Have you ever worked with someone with different beliefs yet still been able to work together in a beneficial way? What advantages can you think of for differing opinions?

Book Excerpt

Refractions of Frozen Time

Integrator Central

# # # INCIDENT REPORT # # #

TEAM: Communications

PROJECT: Encephalographic Access/Reception

DATE: DDW-125

INVESTIGATOR: Rohlnach

INJURIES: 16 FATALITIES: 14/16

SCHEDULE IMPACT: Yes DAYS: +10

SUMMARY: Attempts to refine reception to word chain level based on mindprint specific remote stimulation model has resulted in cessation of brain activity (brain death) in several test subjects. Cause currently believed to be related to excessive amplitude of stimulating frequency. The two survivors remain in a catatonic state.

* * *

Integrated Territorial Tower

Cira City

Troy could tell by Spoigan’s expression that he thought the information on the latest Incident Report was unfortunate. He and his superior had this ongoing argument related to dealing with dissenters. Spoigan hoped to use mind control methods to win them over or, at the least, neutralize them from pushing the issue, while Troy felt eliminating such individuals would be more effective in the long run. He had no patience for those who disagreed with him or his ideologies, preferring to spend resources on weapons research as opposed to psychological mumbo-jumbo.

“This could come in handy for executions,” he ventured. “It would save the cost of hunting down enemies to our cause and even allow their disposal in a covert manner which wouldn’t be easily traced to INTEGRATOR sources.”

Spoigan’s apparent concern at the unfortunate accident quickly escalated to resolute determination to the contrary as demonstrated by squared shoulders and the usual sharply truncated snort.

“Absolutely not,” he growled. “I don’t know why you have such difficulty recognizing the importance of citizen resources. This technology has the potential to change their mindset to whatever we want. This is all about people, Troy! Can’t you see that? What good will it do if we win by indiscriminately killing off all opposition? I agree that some must be eliminated, like your buddy, Brightstar, but certainly not the masses. People are resources. They work. They produce.”

“What if they can’t be convinced? Then what? Then the masses you’re so fond of will rebel and cause all sorts of disturbances which will distract us from larger acquisitions, both in time and resources.”

Spoigan’s glare bore through him yet Troy didn’t flinch, having become accustomed to his superior’s intimidation tactics. “You’re out of order, Troy,” he snarled.

“I thought the point of having a deputy was to present other views,” he retorted without apology.

“Point taken,” the man replied, glare diminishing ever so slightly. “But our disagreements must remain within the confines of this office, is that clear? Otherwise you may be the one meeting with an unfortunate accident.”

Troy winced, having failed to consider the possibility that he could become such a target.

“Yes, sir,” he replied evenly. “I’ll keep that in mind. By the way, did you see the report from the team that raided the cavern where the Brightstars were holed up over High Opps?”

Spoigan’s expression shifted slowly from annoyance to pensive to curious. “No. What about it?”

Troy stifled a smile, satisfied to be one up on his superior yet again. “Two troopers reported an interesting incident whereby the people occupying the cave escaped.”

“The troops involved have favorable records and appear trustworthy. Both claim in identical stories that a small group including at least one child, a ‘troid and two female adults teleported from a cylindrical chamber lined with cristobalite using some strange, primitive looking device.”

Spoigan straightened with interest. “Indeed. That’s definitely interesting to say the least. Are researchers following up on it?”